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NTSB Identification: ATL97LA037. The docket is stored in the (offline) NTSB Imaging System.

Accident occurred Thursday, February 06, 1997 at KEY WEST, FL

Aircraft: Cessna 152, registration: N67544

Injuries: 1 Uninjured



Event: 20001208X07376 Status: Final Report Approved On Monday, February 02, 1998



NTSB Preliminary Narrative (6120.19A)



On February 6, 1997, about 1645 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N67544, collided with the water during a forced landing at Key West,

Florida. The airplane was operated by Ambassador Airways under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual

meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the personal flight to Naples, Florida. There were no injuries to the private pilot,

the only occupant, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was the Key West International Airport, Key West,

Florida, at an undetermined time, on the same day.



According to the pilot, after departing Key West and leveling at 1,500 feet for cruise, because of a cloud ceiling, the engine power gradually

reduced. There was no sputtering nor misfiring of the engine. He stated he applied carburetor heat, checked the fuel selector valve, ensured the

mixture was rich, and checked that both magnetos were selected, with no results. A forced landing was attempted to the Key West Naval Air

Station. During the landing attempt, the pilot suddenly saw wires in his flight path that he maneuvered abruptly to avoid, then the airplane collided

with the water. The pilot also stated that prior to departure, he checked fuel from the gascolator and the tanks' low point drains. No

contamination was discovered.



After the airplane was removed from the water and examined, the fuel system was found compromised, and the carburetor broken open. The

gascolator was found with both fuel and water in it. Ambient conditions on the surface were not suitable for the formation of carburetor icing,



NTSB Final Narrative (6120.4)



After departing and climbing to a cruise altitude of 1500 feet msl, the engine gradually lost power. The pilot stated he chose that altitude because

of cloud ceiling. He did not indicate his distance from the ceiling, however, the local airport indicated a scattered layer of clouds at 2500 feet.

According to the pilot, during the ensuing forced landing, he saw power lines appear in front of him. He pulled up abruptly to avoid the wires,

stalled the airplane, then impacted the water. A reason for the engine power loss was not found during it's subsequent examination. The

ambient conditions on the surface were not conducive to carburetor icing.



NTSB Probable Cause Narrative



A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the abrupt maneuver that resulted in an aerodynamic stall. A factor was the pilot's failure

to maintain clearance from the power lines.



Occurrences and Sequence of Events

Occurrence: 1, LOSS OF ENGINE POWER

Phase of Operation: CRUISE



Sequence of Events for Occurrence Number: 1

1 ( Factor ) REASON FOR OCCURRENCE UNDETERMINED / /



Occurrence: 2, ABRUPT MANEUVER

Phase of Operation: DESCENT - EMERGENCY



Sequence of Events for Occurrence Number: 2

1 ( Factor ) CLEARANCE / NOT MAINTAINED / PILOT IN COMMAND

2 ( Cause ) STALL / INADVERTENT / PILOT IN COMMAND



Occurrence: 3, IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN/WATER

Phase of Operation: DESCENT - UNCONTROLLED


 

 

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